quadriceps

[kwod-ruh-seps]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

quadricepses, quadriceps 

1. a large muscle in front of the thigh, the action of which extends the leg or bends the hip joint.

quadriceps

/ ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps, ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪtəl /

noun

1. anatomy a large four-part muscle of the front of the thigh, which extends the leg

quadriceps

1. The large, four-part muscle at the front of the thigh that arises in the hip and pelvis and inserts as a strong tendon below the kneecap (patella). The quadriceps straightens and helps stabilize the knee.

Other Word Forms

• quadricipital adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriceps¹

1830–40; < New Latin, equivalent to quadri- quadri- + -ceps; biceps

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriceps¹

C19: New Latin, from _quadri- + -ceps as in _biceps